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Vitality Blast Preview: Hampshire Hawks v Somerset
THE MATCH
Somerset take on Hampshire Hawks at the Ageas Bowl in the Vitality Blast tomorrow (Wednesday June 7th).
Play is due to get underway at 7pm.
Somerset are currently top of the South Group with 12 points following six wins from six matches, whilst Hampshire are fourth with six points from five games.
Tickets for this match are still available.
HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE?
You can keep up to date with a live blog via our dedicated Match Centre and also on our Twitter feed.
In addition to this, a report on the day’s play along with quotes will be posted on this website.
THE OPPOSITION
Hampshire Hawks
Captain: James Vince
Overseas players: Nathan Ellis (Australia), Ben McDermott (Australia)
Finals day appearances: 9
Titles: 3 (2010, 2012, 2022)
2022 finish: Winners
2022 highest run-scorer: James Vince (678)
2022 highest wicket-taker: James Fuller (23)
TEAM NEWS
Somerset will be without Sonny Baker (back) but Tom Banton is in the squad after missing the Essex match with a side issue. Sean Dickson retains his place following his impressive T20 debut against the Eagles.
The starting XI will be selected from the following squad: Lewis Gregory*, Tom Abell, Kasey Aldridge, Tom Banton, Shoaib Bashir, Josh Davey, Sean Dickson, Ben Green, Matt Henry, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Lammonby, Craig Overton, Peter Siddle, Will Smeed and Roelof van der Merwe.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
On the eve of the match, Somerset seamer, Peter Siddle said: “Hampshire are always a tough side to play against especially at their place. We’ve played against them once already and since then James Vince has been in fine form. We’re in pretty good nick ourselves and we’re looking forward to getting there. To make it seven out of seven would be a remarkable start.
“Vincey and my good mate Benny McDermott are always a difficult opening combo to come up against, so we’ll have to be ready to go.
“We’ve got a really good and well balanced squad with lost of depth. That’s already showed with the different options that we’ve been able to use with the bowling. Lewis has a lot of options at his disposal. We’ve been able to rest guys and bring in someone who is also a top performer. From a batting point of view, they’re just doing their business and doing what they usually do. It’s been great to see Bants start the season as well as he has, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore has come in and showed people how good he is.”
CLASSIC MATCH
When the two sides clashed at the Ageas Bowl in 2019, Somerset triumphed by 63 runs (D/L Method). Babar Azam was the player to make the headlines as he smashed his way to a stunning 102 not out from just 55 balls.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
You can find out everything that you need to know about attending the game via the Official Hampshire Website.
NEXT MATCH
Somerset’s next match is on Friday when we travel to the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol for the local derby against Gloucestershire in the Vitality Blast.
This match is sold out!
